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Toronto FC begin GM search but Nelsen's job is safe

Toronto FC supremo Tim Leiweke has opened the search for a new general manager following the sacking of Kevin Payne on Thursday.

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, for which Leiweke acts as CEO, made the decision to part ways with Payne but head coach Ryan Nelsen's job is safe according to the former LA Galaxy chief.

"The search for a new general manager has begun already," Leiweke said. "We're going to try and fill that role as quickly as possible, but we won't rush it. We will wait until we find the right person and move on from there.

"What I will tell you flat out is that the only conversations we are having with anybody and everybody is about the GM position.

"They have to respect our decision and our support of Ryan Nelsen. That is the only restriction we will have on the general manager position, other than making sure they are on the same page philosophically with respect to how we are going to build a team here."

Leiweke added: "We had to make a decision on Ryan as well.

"What I am certain of is that with respect to the way that we need to go as an organization, Ryan sees the world exactly the way we do. I'm supportive of Ryan. He will be our coach next year."